While battles on the field and in the recruiting arena can be fierce, Brighton (Colo.) wide receiver Jordon Vaden said he has been impressed thus far by the class shown by rivals Wyoming and Colorado State in their recruitment of him.

The 6-foot-3, 175-pound athlete from Prairie View High School averaged 8.3 yards per rushing attempt, 14.2 yards per catch and 36.0 yards per kick return as a junior. He also excelled as a defensive back. Those numbers have led to scholarship offers from the Rams and the Pokes, who Vaden said, have been minding their manners.

"Something that intrigued me is neither one of them has said anything negative about the other school," Vaden said. "That really shows some good qualities and morals in the school. They are trying to sell me on who they are and what they have rather than cut anyone else down.

"Right now I would have to say because of location and the things they have showed me, Wyoming and CSU are very good competitors and I love the conference they play in," Vaden said. "I am trying to take it slow. After the end of the summer, I should have a top-7 and then my top five this fall."

Wyoming and Colorado State aren't the only colleges competing for Vaden's services. He said New Mexico and Arizona have recently stopped by his school and both said scholarship offers would follow. Boise State has also told Vaden to expect an offer soon.

"There were a lot of schools I didn't know were watching me telling me they like me and are offering me very soon," he said.

Last weekend Vaden took some time to check out the Colorado State spring game. He said he was impressed with the atmosphere around the program and, "really liked the vibe of CSU." He said he was impressed by the way the Rams ran practice. He said the Ram coaches are telling him they would like to use him as a downfield threat and get some jump balls.

"I actually like it," Vaden said of Colorado State. "I think CSU definitely looks more explosive this year. They will have more big plays down the field this year. As a receiver, that is what I like to see. They are trying to grow and get a better and bigger program out there.

For the near future, Vaden's trip to Colorado State will likely be his only recruiting activity. He is running track for Prairie View High School and is concentrating on a run at state. He said he runs the 200 (generally in the low 22-second range), the 110-hurdles (personal best of 14.9) and is monkeying around with the long jump. He said he has yet to long jump in a meet, but is jumping over 22 feet in practice.

"We are starting to narrow the season down to state," he said. "For me right now, I am going to focus on my stronger events like hurdles, the long jump and 200 meter dash. I should get a spot at one of those at state."

This summer and next fall, Vaden said he plans to attend some Nike Camps as well as visits to Wyoming and Colorado State. He is hoping to get to Boise and perhaps Oklahoma too.